The Meaning Behind The Song: “This Time I Know It’s For Real” by Donna Summer

Donna Summer was a legendary disco icon who left an indelible mark on popular music. Her music, particularly her upbeat and soulful disco tracks, were the soundtrack to the 70s and 80s. One of her most popular songs, “This Time I Know It’s For Real,” was released in 1989 and marked a return to form for Summer after a few years out of the limelight. The song was a worldwide hit, reaching the top ten in multiple countries, including the UK and the US. In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind “This Time I Know It’s For Real” and discuss its context within Donna Summer’s career.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “This Time I Know It’s For Real” are very simple and straightforward. The song is essentially about holding onto a love that is genuine and sincere. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has been tested and tried, but has ultimately endured. The opening lines of the chorus, “This time, this time, this time, I know it’s for real” are repeated numerous times throughout the song, emphasizing the singer’s conviction that this relationship is the real thing.

The verses of the song are dedicated to describing the ups and downs of the relationship. The first verse talks about the initial attraction, “What do I have to do to make you see?” and the second verse describes the challenges faced by the couple, “But something about you tells me that you’re gonna be my guy.”

The Context

“This Time I Know It’s For Real” was released in 1989, a time when disco had lost much of its popularity. Donna Summer had been out of the public eye for a few years, and many people had written her off as yesterday’s news. The release of “This Time I Know It’s For Real” marked a return to form for Summer. The song was produced by Mike Stock and Matt Aitken, who were at the forefront of the Stock, Aitken and Waterman production team, which was responsible for a string of successful pop hits in the late 80s and early 90s.

The success of “This Time I Know It’s For Real” revitalized Donna Summer’s career. She went on to release several more successful albums in the 90s and continued to tour extensively until her untimely death in 2012.

The Legacy

“This Time I Know It’s For Real” has become one of Donna Summer’s signature songs. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus have made it a popular choice for movies, TV shows, and commercials. In recent years, the song has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, with many younger audiences discovering and embracing Donna Summer’s music.

The song has also been cited as an influence on a number of contemporary artists. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, pop star Ariana Grande cited Donna Summer as one of her biggest musical inspirations and referenced “This Time I Know It’s For Real” specifically as a song that she loves.

FAQs

1. What is Donna Summer’s legacy?

Donna Summer was one of the most influential figures in the disco movement of the 1970s. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to fuse pop, R&B, and disco into a unique musical style. She inspired countless artists in a variety of genres and is remembered as a trailblazer in the music industry.

2. Why was “This Time I Know It’s For Real” such a successful song?

“This Time I Know It’s For Real” was a success because it captured the spirit of the times. The late 80s was a time of optimism and the song’s upbeat tempo and lyrics of hope and perseverance resonated with audiences. Additionally, the song’s production by the famed Stock, Aitken, and Waterman team helped to give it a modern, poppy sound that appealed to a broad audience.

3. Did Donna Summer write “This Time I Know It’s For Real”?

No, Donna Summer did not write “This Time I Know It’s For Real.” The song was written by the Stock, Aitken, and Waterman team, who were known for crafting catchy pop songs.

4. Was “This Time I Know It’s For Real” controversial?

No, “This Time I Know It’s For Real” was not controversial. The song’s lyrics are about love and commitment and do not touch on any controversial themes.

5. Was “This Time I Know It’s For Real” Donna Summer’s biggest hit?

No, “This Time I Know It’s For Real” was not Donna Summer’s biggest hit. Her most successful song was “Hot Stuff,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979.

6. What is the history of disco music?

Disco music emerged in the 1970s and was characterized by its upbeat tempo, funky basslines, and soaring vocals. The genre was heavily influenced by African American and Latin American music and was popularized by artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and Gloria Gaynor. Disco music fell out of favor in the 1980s, but has since enjoyed a revival in popularity.

7. How did Donna Summer influence other artists?

Donna Summer influenced countless artists with her fearless approach to music-making. She was known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend genres in a way that was both innovative and accessible. Many contemporary artists have cited her as a major influence, including Ariana Grande, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga.

8. What are some other Donna Summer songs worth listening to?

Donna Summer had a long, successful career and released many great songs. Some of her other hits include “I Feel Love,” “Love to Love You Baby,” and “MacArthur Park.” All of these songs are worth checking out if you’re a fan of disco and dance music.

9. Did Donna Summer have any other career highlights?

Yes, Donna Summer had many career highlights. She won five Grammy Awards over the course of her career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. She was also named the “Queen of Disco” and is remembered as one of the most influential female artists of all time.

10. How did Donna Summer interact with her fans?

Donna Summer was known for her graciousness and kindness towards her fans. She was known to take time out of her busy schedule to meet with fans and sign autographs. She was also passionate about using her fame to give back to her community and was a vocal advocate for charities and causes she believed in.

11. What is Donna Summer’s legacy in the LGBTQ+ community?

Donna Summer has a strong legacy in the LGBTQ+ community. Her music was a staple in gay clubs during the 70s and 80s and she was known for being a supportive ally to her LGBTQ+ fans. Despite some controversy over her rumored anti-gay comments in the early 80s, she later expressed regret for any pain she caused and remained a beloved icon within the community.

12. What made Donna Summer such an enduring icon?

Donna Summer’s enduring legacy can be attributed to her powerful voice, her ability to blend genres, and her fearless approach to music-making. She was also a beloved figure, known for her kindness and generosity towards her fans. Ultimately, her music touched millions of people around the world and continues to be celebrated by fans young and old.